b'One objection to the Customs Union could be the influencepoint; I can almost hear the field artillery of the CBI limbering up! However, it is clear from the answer to a written question to the European Commission tabled by the author that Turkey is consulted as part of the EU Customs Union:On 10 July 2013, Jean-Luc Demarty, Director-General of DG Trade at the European Commission, addressed the International Trade Committee. He spokeat length on a series of issues, including sphere of influence. This argument in thethe Transatlantic Trade and Investment name of regional security is just anotherPartnership (TTIP) negotiations. However, attempt at politicising EU membership inbecause of time constraints, he did not what is a political union (Treaty of Rome).adequately address six questions. Could Nonetheless, many in the UK despite all thethe Commission respond to the following evidence, continue to see the EU as beingquestions? primarily about economics. 1.HowdoestheCommissionprovide The EU seems to be willing to suffer therepresentationtocustomsunion financial costs of pre-accession fundingcountriesduringitstradenegotiations for candidate countries and of proppingwith other countries? up their infrastructure development. This is2.Are there any formal or informal even though the governments in candidatemechanisms in place? countries may not be properly democratic.3.Does the Commission have specific As weve seen across Europe, however,mechanisms in place for Turkey? citizens across the more developed EU4.Will Turkish officials be present during member states are rejecting this model.the TTIP negotiations? 5. How will Turkish interests be To revert to trade relationships, the benefitsrepresented duringthe TTIP of being in the Customs Unionbut not anegotiations? full EU memberare considerable. If the6.Could the Commission provide data UK were in a customs union arrangement,showing how the TTIP will affect such as that which Turkey enjoys, the UKTurkey? would retain free movement of goods without duties. But there would be no free movementTrade Commissioner Karel De Gucht of people. We could reactivate our seat atanswered on behalf of the Commission on 12 the World Trade Organisation. We would beSeptember 2013:exempt from the Common Agricultural and Common Fisheries policies, EU social andThe Commission has informed the United employment legislation, and contributionsStates Trade Representative (USTR) about to the EU budget and EU structural funds.the EU-Turkey Customs Union and will Financial services regulation and supervisioncontinue to support Turkeys request to would be firmly under UKnot EUalso negotiate a Free Trade Agreement Commissionercontrol.with the USA.89'